Two Designated Courts For NIA Cases, Hearing Done Only By One: Delhi High Court Told; Status Report Sought

The Delhi High Court has recently been informed that while there are two designated courts especially dealing with cases under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, hearing is being done only by one Court.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, who was hearing a plea raising the issue of long pendency of cases under the NIA Act, sought further status report from the authorities indicating the progress of these cases within 4 weeks.

The plea was filed by an accused Manzer Imam who was in custody from last 8 years in connection with a NIA case. It was alleged that some members of Indian Mujahideen were conspiring to commit terrorist acts by allegedly targeting landmark places in India. The Court had vide order dated September 15 sought response from the Registry in the matter. 

In March this year, an additional affidavit was filed on behalf of the Registrar of High Court, informing that three new Additional Session Judge (ASJ) Courts will be constituted in Patiala House Court for assigning and distribution of other pending cases before two designated special courts.

On July 15, the counsel appearing for the petitioner informed the Court that despite constitution of two special designated NIA Courts, hearing was done only by one.

"Let the respondents file a further status report, indicating the progress of these cases within 4 weeks from today," the Court ordered while listing the matter for hearing next on October 20.

The development came after the High Court had earlier directed its Registry to indicate the steps taken in order to streamline expeditious disposal of trials in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act cases pending before Special Designated Courts.

FIR was registered against Imam under relevant provisions of UAPA and IPC. He was arrested in the year 2013. The plea was therefore filed seeking directions that Special NIA Courts must deal exclusively with NIA investigated scheduled offences so that trials must be expeditiously heard by such courts.

Apart from seeking directions for expeditious hearings by Special NIA Courts, the petitioner also seeks directions to the Special Court for concluding his trial on day-to-day basis.

Case Title: MANZER IMAM v. UOI, THROUGH JT. SECRETARY, INTERNAL SECURITY DIVISION, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS & ORS

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